System and method for controlling emissions while pushing coke from a coke oven

ABSTRACT

1. IN A SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING EFFLUENT EMITTED DURING PUSHING OF COKE FRO A COKE OVEN CHAMBER THROUGH A CLOSED COKE GUIDE HAVING A HOOD THAT CONVEYS SAID EFFLUENT TOWARD A COLLECTING MAIN, WHICH INTERNALLY IS UNDER A PARTIAL VACUUM OR NEGATIVE PRESSURE, AND WHICH HAS A PLURALITY OF PIVOTABLE DOORS, WITH ONE SUCH DOOR BEING DISPOSED OPPOSITE EACH RESPECTIVE COKS OVEN CHAMBER, THE IMPROVE(A) A SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENT OF THE DOOR IN SAID MAIN LOCATED OPPOSITE AN OVEN TO BE PUSHED INCLUDING: (1) SWITCH MEANS THAT IS ACURATED WHEN SAID COKE GUIDE FORMS A CLOSED FLOW PATH FOR THE EFFLUENT BETWEEN SAND HOOD AND THE COLLECTING MAIN; GUIDE FORMS A CLOSED FLOW PATH FOR THE EFFLUENT (II) MEANS ACTING RESPONSIVELY TO A SINGNAL GENERATED WHEN SAID SWITCH IS ACTURATED FOR DECREASING THE AMOUNTS OF SAID VACUUM OR NEGATIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE IN SAID COLLECTING MAIN; (III) MEANS OPENING SAID DOOR IN TIMED SEQUENCE AFTER SAID INTERNAL VACUUM OR NEGATIVE PRESSURE HAS BEEN DECREASED; AND (IV) MEANS FOR THEREAFTER INCREASING THE PARTIAL VACUUM OR NEGATIVE PRESSURE IN SAID COLLECTING MAIN WHEREBY THE EFFLUENT EMISSIONS CREATED DURING PUSHING FLOW THROUGH SAID OPENED DOOR AND THE HOOD INTO SAID COLLECTING MAIN.

V. G. KRENKE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLIMG EMISSIONS Oct. 22, 1974 WHILE PUSHING COKE FROM A COKE OVEN v 3 Sheets-Sheet 1` Filed llarch 19. 1973 NWN NQS@ mQQb V. G.'KRENKE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLIIG EMISSIONS WHILE PUSHING COKE FROM A COKE OVEN :s sheets-sheen :2,

Filed latch 19, 1973 E 6F. Dr

V I I I I I I I I I MMM Q ME um Q n SEN@ Oct. 22, 1974 Filed arch 19, 1973 COKE CHAMBER SYSTEM AND METHob V G. KRENKE COKE GII/DE FOR CONTROLLIMG EMISSIONS WHILE PUSHING COKE FROM A COKE OVEN Qaf/vc/f am? A FIG. 2

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 000? CONTOL .SYSTEM nited States Patent O ice t 3,843,459 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EMISSIONS WHILE PUSHING COKE FROM A COKE OVEN l 4 Vincent G. Krenke, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to Koppers Company, Inc. Filed Mar. 19, 1973, Ser. No. 342,723 Int. Cl. Cb 33/00 U.S. Cl. 201-41 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE suction. The fume doors are not opened or closed when high suction conditions exist in the collecting main.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A system and method is described for controlling emissions while pushing of coke from a coke oven in a battery equipped with apparatus for collecting and removing eluent while pushing coke as described in application Ser..No. 170,926, tiled Aug. 11, 1971, now Pat. 3,785,933.

The system of the present invention is adaptable to other apparatus for collecting emissions that operate in a similar manner and is not limited exclusively to the apparatus in the application, which is mentioned only to assist those skilled in the art in understanding the present invention. The system includes basically an electrical control system that actuates the damper and vent valves of the collecting main when the apparatus ofthe mentioned application is positioned at an oven that is ready to be pushed.

For a further understanding of the invention and for features and advantages thereof, reference may be made to the following description and the drawing which illustrates a preferred embodiment of a system in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The drawing, comprising two sheets of bristol board, shows schematically and in simplified form a control system in accordance with my invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION that are each disposed opposite a respective oven chamber.

A movable collar on the hood portion cooperates with the effluent collecting main to form a seal. The mechanism which moves the collar into cooperative position with the collecting main also opens a respective fume ldoor in the main. Adjustable curtains or seal plates are mounted to the hood and they are movable as is the collar to form a seal with the hood and the quenching car. The quenching i car, of course, moves relative to the hood.

And so, it is to the control of the relative movements of this and similar apparatus that the present invention is directed.

3,843,459 Patented Oct. 22, `19'74 To begin with, it is assumed that the pusher machine and the coke guide have been spotted in position opposite the oven to be pushed, and that the door machines on each side have already removed the pusher side and the coke side doors.

Now, it is to be understood, there are three main elements of the apparatus described in the aforementioned application that must be operated in controlled sequence. They are: (l) a pivotable door in the collector or fume main opposite each oven to be pushed; (2) a buttery or atmospheric vent valve in the collector or fume main; and (3) a damper in the fan suction line that regulates the suction or partial vacuum in the fume main. The system which controls the sequential operation of these three elements is described hereinafter with the aid of the drawing to which reference is made.

In FIGS. 1 and 1a, the coke guide 10 engages and closes a limit switch CGLS when the coke guide contacts and seats against the face of the oven. Activation of switch CGLS starts the sequence of events described hereinafter.

But such sequence may be purposely delayed if desired by an operator who may activate a sequence-delay start switch 12.

Initially, when no oven is being pushed, the collecting main 17 is under a partial vacuum or internal negative pressure. The butterfly 15 is closed and the damper 21 is at the minimum open position, which means that it is open just enough to allow some efuent to pass through it;

Vthe fume doors, of course, being closed.

' From the receiver, signal RSB travels through RSI to and energizes a buttertiy valve cylinder control (so marked). The control cylinder acts through linkage 11, 13, shown schematically, to open and also to close a butterfly or atmospheric vent valve 15 in a collector or fume main 17.

The purpose of the buttery or atmospheric vent valve 15, when opened, is to reduce the amount of negative internal pressure or partial vacuum in the collector or fume main 17, whereby the door 16 on the fume main opposite the oven to be pushed can be opened more easily. Etiluent gases that ow into the fume main 17 pass into a gas scrubber (not shown) in the normal way.

In FIGS. l and 1a, a suction fan 18 is shown diagrammatically in the collector main 17, and it is understood that the fan 18 operates continually. The amount of suction or partial vacuum impressed on the collecting or fume main 17 is controlled by the buttery or atmospheric vent valve 15 and by a movable fan damper 21. The fan damper 21 is normally at minimum open position when no pushing of coke takes place and its position is adjusted, as required, before, during and after pushing.

At this point in time inthe pushing sequence, subsequent to the closing of the limit switch CGLS, the atmospheric vent valve 15 is fully open. Timer TA, which was activated upon closing the limit switch CGLS, is so set that it times out and signals a control cylinder 20 having linkage 22 connected to the fume door 16; whereby the fume door opens in timed delay sequence after the buttery valve 15 has had time to open. The fume door 16 opens simultaneously with advancement of the aforementioned adjustablecollar portion of the hood into cooperation with the fume main 17.

As the fume door 16 approaches the fully open position, it engages a door open limit switch, LS, and activates signal RSI at the transmitter. Thereafter, signal RSI at the receiver opens a contact on the butterfly valve open control. The butterfly valve then closes. Thereupon, a signal is sent to the fan damper` motor control (so marked), and the fan damper 21'opens to a maximum controlled opening since contacts RSB and RS1 are closed. There is,`then',` maximum designed partial vacuum or suction in the fume main 17'which is ready to receive emissions during pushing.

'f' Pushing then proceeds as scheduled.

valve cylinder control to be energized'and'the linkage 11,

13 moves to open the butterfly valve 15. Simultaneously, the fan damper motor control is deactivated and' thefan damper motor operates and closes the damper 21- The fume main door is open at this point of time inthe sequence, and lwhen timer TX 'times out, the fume-'door lclose control cylinder is energized tol close the door, and

ksignal RSZ is activated. Signal R82 at the receiver assures that the butterlyvalve close control is inoperative.

l' When the fume main door is closed, a door-closed limit switch v(so marked) is closed and a switch 23 opens which deactivates timer TX, thereby cancelling the sigals RSB and R52. When signals RSBl and RSZ are cancelled, as Well as all signals to the transmitter and vto the receiver, the close-control cylinder connected to the buttery valve operates to close the butterfly valve 15. Also, thesignal RSI is cancelled, whereupon, the fan damper motor control is activated to close the fan damper.

A manual over-ride signal selector (not shown) is available on the door machine to signal the-required operation of the buttery valve and fan damper control.

From the foregoing description of the embodiment of my invention, those skilled in the fart shouldrecognize many important vfeatures' and advantages of it, among `which the following are particularly signicant:

vThat the system is simple in constructiombut yet it is to ensure' that the elements of au emissionsfcontrol system function in a proper sequence for the prevention of l"emission of efluent to the atmosphere; and "i but yet it is Y y "effective and easy to install. .l f

That the system is simple in construction,

Although the invention has been described kherein-'with a certain degree of particularity it is understood'v that the vpresent disclosure Yhas been made onlyas anexampleand that the scope of my invention is defined' by whatisfhereini' after claimed.`

What is claimed is:

. 1. In a system for conducting efuent emitted .during pushing softcoke from a coke oven chamber1-through a closed coke guide having a hood that conveys said'eiuent toward a collecting main, which internally isunder apartial vacuum or negativepressure, and which has a plurality of pivotable doors, with one such door being disposed opposite each respective coke oven chamber,- the'limprovement in such system comprising:

(a) a system for controlling the movement-of Ithetdoor (iii) .means opening said door in timed sequence --t has been decreased; and 1 (iv) means for thereafter increasing the partial """""""'vacuumor negative pressure in saidcllcting main whereby the eluent emissions created during pushing flow through said opened door and the hood into said collecting main.

2. AThe inventionzof claim I wherein the means opening '(a)``a 'timer connected in circuitry withsaid onel door whereby said door. 4is actuated on a, selectedtme schedule. A p' ,n `n

3. The invention/ofclaim l. wherein the .means acting responsively to a signal is: 4

(a) a cylinder control having linkage connections'to vent control means in said collecting main whereby, when saidl yent. control means opens, l,said vacuum or negative pressure'iit said maindec're'ase's.

The invention =ofclaim3" wherein the means opening' said door in timed sequence includesz'f' (a) a timer connectedin circuitry with acontrolcyl- 'inder linked to said fume doorL for actuating' Said vdoors nd, .i l (b) means connected Vin circuitryl with lsaid switch means for activating4 said 'tmer"-whei'1`said switch 'means'is actuated; i

5. The invention of claim 3'whereimtheimezins-"fofincreasing the partial vacuum includesi""'- (a) means for deactivatinga timer connected in circuitry with Said 4cylinder control ,whereby said cylinder'controlvis activated and the linkage connected thereto moves toclose said vent controltmeanswhereby saidv vacuum or negative pressure insaid .fume

i main increases? 1 f 6. In a system for conducting eluent emitted during pushing of coltey from a coke oven chamber through a closed coke guide having a hood that'conveys'said efuent toward a collecting main, `which internallyis under a` partial `vacuum ornegative. pressure, andiwhich has-a plurality of pivotable doors, with one such .door being disposedvopposite each 'respective coke oven chamber,

the improvement in such system comprising:

(a) a system forcontrolling the movement of the door in said Vmain that is located opposite an'oven to be 'pushed including: t e

(i) a rst limit switch that is actuated when said cokeguide forms a closed'flow` path for efuent between said hood andthe collecting l'. v '(ii) a rst timer, connected in circuitty'with said switch and a first control cylinder, thatiis'activated.. for .timing apparatus functions connected Y in circuitry therewith when said limit switch is "actuated, f 1' (iii)^'said'rst control cylinder being 'connectedto said door for opening and closing'the'I sam'e whensaid first timer is activated; (iv) a second control cylinder connected in circuitr`y^with said limit switch" and toV valve f means associated with saidcollectin`g`hiain -for Vregulatingl the partial vacuum or negative'pressure in said main," whereby when saidlimit switch is actuatedsaid secondfcontrolJ cylinder actuates said valve means thegpartial vacuurnor negative pressure therein isl reduced;V l

, (v.) ya second limit 'switch actuatable by said door :when it opens whereby a signal is .'sentin lcir- I cuitry connected with said second limit .switch y to said second control cylinder which` is actu- L atedtoclose said valve means so that the partial vacuum or negative pressure in said; main increases; f'- (vi) means in said fume main for yregulat'ingthe ow. of effluent therethrough, which means assumes a full-flow position in response. to a signal sent to it when said valve means movesiand (ix) said first control cylinder acts responsively to said first timer after it has performed a preselected timing function, whereby said door closes and While closing actuates said second limit switch, whereby said second control cylinder is actuated and said valve means closes and simultaneously said means for regulating the flow of efiiuent in said fume main opens.

7. In the method for controlling the flow of emissions into a collecting main under negative pressure or partial vacuum that evolve while pushing coke from a coke oven, the improvement comprising the steps:

(a) advancing a coke guide into position at an oven to be pushed and;

(b) activating a irst control timer that is preset to complete a preselected time cycle, land simultaneously;

(c) actuating a control cylinder and opening valve means in said collecting main thereby reducing the negative pressure or partial vacuum in said collecting main;

(d) actuating means that responds to la signal from said rst timer and opening an emissions liowthrough door in said collecting main;

(e) opening a damper in said collecting main and increasing said vacuum therein; and

(f) simultaneously closing said valve means in said collecting main and thereby increasing the vacuum in said main whereby said emissions are drawn into said main.

8. The invention of claim 7 including the steps of:

(a) retracting said coke guide after the pushing of coke is completed, thereby actuating said means and;

(b) opening said valve means in said main;

(c) actuating a second control timer that is preset to complete a preselected time cycle, and simultaneously;

(d) closing said damper;

(e) actuating means that responds to a signal from said second timer and closes said emissions flow-through door;

(f) opening said damper; and

(g) closing said valve means thereby restoring the vacuum in said collecting main.

9. In the method for controlling the How of emissions into a collecting main under negative pressure or partial vacuum that evolve while pushing coke from a coke oven, the improvement comprising the steps:

(a) advancing a coke guide into position at an oven to be pushed and actuating a lirst switch; thereby;

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(b) emergizing both a first and a second timing apparatus each of which is set to delay the sequence of operations according to a preselected time sequence;

(c) transmitting `a signal to and actuating a control cylinder thereby opening valve means on said collecting main and reducing the partial vacuum therein;

(d) activating means in response to a signal from said rst timer for opening a door in said collecting main opposite the oven to be pushed whereby effluent arising from coke pushed through said coke guide flows into said collecting main and simultaneously;

(e) actuating a second switch whereby signal is transmitted in circuitry to said control cylinder whereby it operates to close said valve means on said collecting mam;

(f) actuating means controlling the partial vacuum or suction in said collecting main whereby the maximum designed partial vacuum or suction therein is restored;

(g) pushing coke from said oven whereby eiuent generated thereby yiiows into said collecting main; and thereafter;

(h) retracting said coke guide and thereby de-actuating said iirst switch and actuating said second timer; and thereby;

(i) transmitting a signal to and actuating said control cylinder thereby opening said valve means on said collecting main and reducing the partial vacuum; and simultaneously;

(j) actuating said means controlling the partial vacuum or suction in said main and thereby decreasing said partial vacuum or suction in said collecting main;

(k) activating said means in response to a signal from said second timer and thereby closing said door in said collecting main and simultaneously actuating a switch;

(l) transmitting a signal, as a result of closing said switch, to and thereby actuating said valve means in said main and thereby increasing and vacuum or suction; and

(m) actuating simultaneously said means controlling the partial vacuum or suction in said collecting main whereby normal designed partial vacuum or suction is restored in said collecting main.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS NORMAN YUDKOFF, Primary Examiner D. EDWARDS, Assistant Examiner U.S. C1. X.R. 202-263 

1. IN A SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING EFFLUENT EMITTED DURING PUSHING OF COKE FRO A COKE OVEN CHAMBER THROUGH A CLOSED COKE GUIDE HAVING A HOOD THAT CONVEYS SAID EFFLUENT TOWARD A COLLECTING MAIN, WHICH INTERNALLY IS UNDER A PARTIAL VACUUM OR NEGATIVE PRESSURE, AND WHICH HAS A PLURALITY OF PIVOTABLE DOORS, WITH ONE SUCH DOOR BEING DISPOSED OPPOSITE EACH RESPECTIVE COKS OVEN CHAMBER, THE IMPROVE(A) A SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENT OF THE DOOR IN SAID MAIN LOCATED OPPOSITE AN OVEN TO BE PUSHED INCLUDING: (1) SWITCH MEANS THAT IS ACURATED WHEN SAID COKE GUIDE FORMS A CLOSED FLOW PATH FOR THE EFFLUENT BETWEEN SAND HOOD AND THE COLLECTING MAIN; GUIDE FORMS A CLOSED FLOW PATH FOR THE EFFLUENT (II) MEANS ACTING RESPONSIVELY TO A SINGNAL GENERATED WHEN SAID SWITCH IS ACTURATED FOR DECREASING THE AMOUNTS OF SAID VACUUM OR NEGATIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE IN SAID COLLECTING MAIN; (III) MEANS OPENING SAID DOOR IN TIMED SEQUENCE AFTER SAID INTERNAL VACUUM OR NEGATIVE PRESSURE HAS BEEN DECREASED; AND (IV) MEANS FOR THEREAFTER INCREASING THE PARTIAL VACUUM OR NEGATIVE PRESSURE IN SAID COLLECTING MAIN WHEREBY THE EFFLUENT EMISSIONS CREATED DURING PUSHING FLOW THROUGH SAID OPENED DOOR AND THE HOOD INTO SAID COLLECTING MAIN. 